OTTAWA, April 28, 2015 /CNW/ - It took vision to make the new Canadian War Museum on LeBreton Flats a reality. For the past 10 years, the Museum has had a lasting impact on Canadians' understanding of their military history through its exhibitions, programs and engagement with communities across the country. Now, nearly five million visits later, we're thanking everyone who has made the Museum a success by inviting Canadians to join us in a day of free activities for the whole family, and to take part in a nationwide social media campaign.

"Over the past 10 years, we've brought stories of courage, sacrifice and sorrow to Canadians, and they have responded with unwavering support," said Mark O'Neill, president and CEO of the Canadian War Museum and the Canadian Museum of History. "I hope that many of those who've been moved by our exhibitions and programs will join in our 10th anniversary celebrations."

On Saturday, May 9, from 9:30 am to 5:00 pm, the Museum will throw open its doors with free admission and special programming for the entire family. Historians will offer spotlight tours of selected artifacts, and veterans of conflicts from the Second World War to the present day will share their experiences. Access to the vaults will give visitors a rare look at works of art, uniforms and equipment. Meanwhile, behind the Museum, the North Plaza will rumble with the sound of tanks and armoured cars in a series of military vehicle demonstrations.

But a single day of special events isn't enough to celebrate 10 years of sharing Canada's military heritage. Since the Museum opened in 2005, close to five million people have come through its doors, and many more have seen its travelling and virtual exhibitions. That's why, over the coming year, the Museum is inviting Canadians to participate in its "Tell us your Canadian War Museum story" social media campaign. To express what the War Museum means to you, send us a tweet or post a photo on Instagram using the hashtag #WarMuseum10. You can also upload a video to YouTube with the words "My #WarMuseum10 Story" in the title. To explore other people's stories, or to submit your own, please visit: warmuseum.ca/10.

The Canadian War Museum is Canada's national museum of military history. Its mission is to promote public understanding of Canada's military history in its personal, national and international dimensions.

Come Celebrate the 10th Anniversary of the Canadian War Museumon LeBreton FlatsSaturday, May 99:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.Free admission

Curator's Pick — Artifact SpotlightConsult warmuseum.ca for timesMeet at the LobbyDo you have a favourite War Museum artifact? Come find out what our historians picked as their favourites. Whether it's a blunderbuss or a G-Wagen, our experts in Canadian military history will share their insights on what makes the museum special.

Military Vehicle Demonstrations11:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.North Plaza (exterior)Did you know that some of the tanks and vehicles in the Museum's collection are still operational? Hear the rumble of engines and witness history in motion at our vehicle demonstrations. Talk to Museum staff and get up close to these powerful machines.

Witness to History10 a.m. to 4 p.m.Throughout the MuseumMeet some witnesses to history. Veterans, retired military personnel, expert civilians and currently serving members of the Canadian Armed Forces will be sharing their stories and experiences throughout the Museum.

Explore the Collections Vaults10 to 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 to 3 p.m.LeBreton GalleryCurious about where artifacts are stored when they are not on display? Enjoy special access to the Canadian War Museums collections vaults, explore behind-the-scenes and meet some of the experts who care for the Museum's many artifacts.

Hands-on History Carts10 a.m. to 4 p.m.Gallery 1, Gallery 2, Gallery 3On the 10th anniversary of the Canadian War Museum's new building, visit the animation stations in the permanent galleries, learning more about Canadian military history through the ages with artifacts from the Museum's Living History Collection.

How to Participate in "Tell us your Canadian War Museum story"

There are four ways to participate: 1) Tweet a message using the hashtag #WarMuseum10.2) Post one or more photos to Instagram and include the hashtag #WarMuseum10.3) Post a video on your YouTube channel and include the text My #WarMuseum10 story somewhere in the title.4) Upload your own message at warmuseum.ca/10.